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Arch of Hadrian (Athens)

Point Of Interest

15 Minutes

Estimated Time

The Arch of Hadrian (Greek: Αψίδα του Αδριανού, translit. Apsida tou Adrianou), most commonly known in Greek as Hadrian's Gate (Greek: Πύλη του Αδριανού, translit. Pyli tou Adrianou), is a monumental gateway resembling – in some respects – a Roman triumphal arch. It spanned an ancient road from the center of Athens, Greece, to the complex of structures on the eastern side of the city that included the Temple of Olympian Zeus. It has been proposed that the arch was built to celebrate the adventus (arrival) of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and to honor him for his many benefactions to the city, on the occasion of the dedication of the nearby temple complex in 131 or 132 AD. It is not certain who commissioned the arch, although it is probable that the citizens of Athens or another Greek group were responsible for its construction and design. There were two inscriptions on the arch, facing in opposite directions, naming both Theseus and Hadrian as founders of Athens. While it is clear that the inscriptions honor Hadrian, it is uncertain whether they refer to the city as a whole or to the city in two parts: one old and one new. The early idea, however, that the arch marked the line of the ancient city wall, and thus the division between the old and the new regions of the city, has been shown to be false by further excavation. The arch is located 325m southeast of the Acropolis.

Opening hours

Sunday All Day

Monday All Day

Tuesday All Day

Wednesday All Day

Thursday All Day

Friday All Day

Saturday All Day

Nsorma Nyaaba

8 days ago

Nice arch. Temple is fenced but the greens are oawesime. Great meeting point for the start of all tours. All the major touristic points surround it.

Pierros Zevolis

14 days ago

Beautiful historical monument created by the Roman emperor at the centre of Athens. Popular tourist attraction, pretty nice spot for memorial photos.

david recendez

a month ago

This place is awesome I love this place. Not a big tourist destination but I loved it.

Howard T

2 months ago

An Arch adjacent to the temple of Zeus. Definitely worth a quick visit (like 5mins) on the way to other attractions.

Rody Sakr

4 months ago

Impressive
Hadrian's Arch was constructed in 131 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian as part of a wall separating the old and new cities of Athens. On the side of the arch facing the Acropolis is the inscription, "This is Athens, the former city of Theseus" while the other side reads, "This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus". The 18 meters (59ft) gate was made of marble from nearby Mount Pentelikon and decorated in the Corinthian order .

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